Rassif is one of the most popular resto-cafes in Tripoli. One of its owners, Salma Samin, wrote on Instagram, “Tripoli has been a major contributor to our restaurant and now it’s time to give back to our community.”
In the events of the lockdown, paired with the unnerving financial situation, Rassif has decided to “give back” by using its kitchen to cook daily meals for families in need.
Owners of the restaurant launched a food drive on March 31st. Since then, the volunteers have been distributing meals to an average of 250 families a day.
As of now, they have distributed nearly 4,000 meals to families in Tripoli and are hoping to continue this project throughout Ramadan.
The meals consist of a lunch meal, a 1 kg bag of fruits (which typically includes oranges, apples, bananas, and strawberries), a bag of Lebanese bread, as well as some homemade cakes or muffins baked by volunteers.
People can deliver their homemade treats themselves or ask Rassif to pick them up. In addition to cash donations, people can also help by donating two portions of any ingredient from Rassif’s wish-list.
Updates are posted daily to Rassif’s highlights on Instagram. The initiative got caught the attention of many people, including LBCI News.
In addition, Lebanon Enterprise Development (LED) funded by the USAID has pledged to support Rassif by developing a franchising system that they said will help the resto-cafe create 36 new jobs in two years.
During these difficult times, it is refreshing to see how many have risen to spread love and positive vibes by organizing social initiatives aiming to help others.